GE Healthcare has unveiled plans for a significant €132 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Carrigtwohill, Cork, a move set to address the rising global demand for diagnostic imaging agents. This new state-of-the-art facility will enable the production of an additional 25 million patient doses of contrast media annually by 2027.
Contrast media, essential for enhancing the visibility of organs, blood vessels, and tissues during medical imaging, are in high demand worldwide. This is largely driven by aging populations and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, with the global market for iodine-based contrast media expected to double in the next decade. In 2024 alone, GE Healthcare’s facilities in Cork, Shanghai, and Oslo are projected to produce more than 100 million doses of contrast media globally.
The new 3,000 sq m expansion will support both existing products and new pipeline offerings. Key additions to the facility include solution preparation vessels, advanced filling lines, and multifunctional powder handling systems, all integrated with cutting-edge automation technology to streamline production.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony, emphasized the importance of GE Healthcare’s long-standing commitment to Ireland. “GE Healthcare’s continued investment in Carrigtwohill is a testament to the skill and dedication of our workforce and the company’s ongoing success in Ireland,” he said.
Kevin O’Neill, President and CEO of GE HealthCare’s Pharmaceutical Diagnostics segment, underscored the significance of the new facility in enhancing the resiliency and security of the global supply chain for contrast media. “This expansion not only addresses future demand but also ensures a secure and reliable supply for our customers worldwide,” O’Neill said.
IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan also highlighted the importance of the investment for local employment and expertise. “GE Healthcare’s decision to further expand its manufacturing operations in Cork is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s capabilities and the talent at the Carrigtwohill site, built over three decades,” Lohan stated.
The expansion project, which begins in February 2025, is expected to create more than 250 construction jobs, with engineering firm IPS-Integrated Project Services leading the project. GE Healthcare’s Pharmaceutical Diagnostics division, which supplies radiopharmaceuticals for clinical pathways in neurology, cardiology, and oncology, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting patient diagnoses and treatment decisions worldwide, performing four procedures every second.
Key Points:
- GE Healthcare invests €132 million to expand its Cork facility, boosting annual contrast media production by 25 million doses by 2027.
- The new 3,000 sq m facility will incorporate advanced automation and state-of-the-art production systems.
- The expansion will address rising global demand for diagnostic imaging agents, driven by an aging population and chronic diseases.
- The project is expected to create over 250 construction jobs, with IPS-Integrated Project Services overseeing the development.
GE Healthcare Logo by FMT CC BY 4.0
